Plastic chemical in dock

An independent panel of scientists appointed by the US National Institutes of Health has started a review of the controversial chemical bisphenol A, which is used to make a wide range of plastic products, including food and beverage containers.

Trace amounts of the synthetic oestrogen leak from containers into food and drinks and are absorbed by the body, CBC News reports.

In rodents, bisphenol A has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, insulin resistance and obesity. There is growing concern that the chemical may harm human health.

The panel will review available scientific evidence and is expected to make a recommendation on whether bisphenol A poses a threat to human development or reproduction, CBC News reports. – (HealthDayNews)

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Enviro health Centre

August 2007